Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center – Wisconsin Dells
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Welcome to the 2025 edition of the Extension Natural Resources Connection!
As we step into the new year, let’s celebrate the remarkable achievements and milestones we’ve reached together. Our journey in 2024 was filled with impactful projects, new faces, and significant contributions to Wisconsin. From educating communities on preventing the spread of invasive species and engaging with private landowners, natural resources volunteers, and lake leaders, to deepening our understanding of Lake Superior’s coast and the state’s geology, our programs have tackled critical environmental issues head-on. As the director of the Natural Resources Institute, I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners. Their hard work and passion have driven our success and made a tangible difference in our communities.
Looking ahead to 2025, I am excited about the future and the opportunities it holds. There remains an urgency to better address water quality issues facing communities and families across the state, to effectively combat invasive pests and wildlife diseases, and to expand our reach to connect adults and youth with the outdoors in ways that build future stewards of our lands and waters. Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we can achieve even greater things for Wisconsin’s natural resources, the foundation of thriving communities.
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~Tricia Gorby, Institute Director
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St. Louis River Summit Call for Posters and Artwork |
When you mix art and science at the St. Louis River Summit, good things happen! The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve welcomes poster and artwork submissions to be showcased at the Summit on Tuesday, March 4.
Learn more, and submit by January 27.
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| Preparing Wisconsin’s Rural Communities for Extreme Weather Events |
Steve Vavrus, director of the Wisconsin State Climatology Office (SCO), and colleagues Ken Genskow and Paul Block are leading a project to increase climate resiliency in rural areas of the state. By collaborating with farmers, local hazard planning/emergency services, and rural schools, they hope to improve rural communities’ ability to make informed decisions in advance of weather events.
Read more in Wisconsin Counties Magazine.
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Registration for 2025 Master Naturalist trainings now open |
Are you interested in learning more about the natural world? Do you want to know more about local ecology, conservation, and natural history? Then Wisconsin Master Naturalist training is for you! The trainings combine in-class sessions and fieldwork, and are tailored to each location they are held in.
Learn more about becoming a Master Naturalist.
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| Lake Superior Collaborative Symposium 2024 Recap |
This year’s Lake Superior Collaborative Symposium had a theme of “Widening the Horizons of Restoration,” focusing on innovative and collaborative ways to approach restoration and climate resilience. The symposium offered a number of features, including lightning talks, a workshop, a field tour, and more, all surrounding conservation efforts related to Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Basin.
Read more and see photos from the event.
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Join the Forest Friends Early Childhood Nature Club |
Bring your child or grandchild to join Felix the Fox at Upham Woods this February and March for a fun, educational experience in the great outdoors. Preschoolers and their grownups will explore the forest; practice shapes, colors, letters, and numbers in nature; meet new friends; and create a project to take home each week!
Find out about the program and sign up.
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| Freshwater@UW summer research opportunities available |
The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) is offering a paid, mentored research experience this summer through Freshwater@UW. Students will gain hands-on research experience in areas like pollution, PFAS, ecology, science communication, and more. With a focus on freshwater research, Freshwater@UW aims to train the next generation of professionals.
Learn more about the program and how to apply. Application deadline: February 15.
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WGNHS is hiring a co-designer for a map accessibility project to help find creative ways to make their maps more accessible.
Apply by February 14.
The Center for Land Use Education at UW–Stevens Point is hiring a director/professor to provide leadership, research, and community engagement; and assist in teaching and managing the conservation and community planning major in the College of Natural Resources.
Apply by February 28.
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Stay connected to NRI by following our programs on social media and subscribing to their newsletters.
See a list on our website >
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The Division of Extension Natural Resources Institute works at the crossroads of communities, natural resources and agriculture. |
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Feedback or questions: nri@extension.wisc.edu
© 2022 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
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